Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem Announces the Retirement of Executive Director Joanne Scott

Board of Directors Begins Search for Next Executive Director

Salem, MA - October 25, 2024

The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem proudly announces the retirement of Joanne Scott, who has served as Executive Director for 16 transformative years. Scott plans to step down on April 30, 2025, or sooner if a new director is selected.

Since taking on the role in August 2008, Scott has been a steady and visionary leader, ushering in an era of stability and growth for the Club after a period of leadership transitions following the tragic loss of Stephen O’Grady, a beloved former director. With her background as Salem’s health agent, Scott understood the vital role the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem plays in the community, particularly for at-risk youth. Under her leadership, the Club not only provided a safe space but also fostered personal growth, responsibility, and community engagement for countless children and teens.

Reflecting on her time at the Club, Scott shared, “It has been the honor of my life leading the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem, in fact my blood runs blue! The Club’s mission is totally focused on youth development, giving all kids the experiences, tools, and confidence they need to reach their full potential as healthy, productive adults with a commitment to give back to their community. Our staff, Board members and volunteers carry this mission in their hearts, as do our generous donors. It is time for, as they say in politics, a new generation of leadership! I am so excited to see what opportunities develop for our members with a new person in the lead!”

Board President Susan Ulbrich praised Scott’s leadership, stating, “Joanne Scott has been a force of positive change for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem and the community at large. Her dedication to the mission, her tireless work ethic, and her passion for making a difference have set an incredibly high bar for what it means to lead.”

The Board of Directors has initiated a search for the Club’s next Executive Director. A search committee will be formed, and a professional firm will assist in identifying the ideal candidate to continue Scott’s outstanding work. Information on the position and the application process will be available on the Club’s website www.bgcgs.org.

The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem

Established in 1869, the Salem Fraternity was founded to mentor and challenge youth, both boys and girls of the community. In 1906 the national organization, Boys Clubs of America, was established. Under the initial charter there were fourteen established youth services organizations from across the nation, including the Salem Fraternity for Boys. The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem is the oldest Club in Massachusetts and second oldest in the country. In 1990 the word Girls was officially added to the name of the national organization Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The Salem Fraternity followed suit and became the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem.

The Club operates the Youth Club for children 8 through 12 years-old ($25/school year) and the Teen Center for 13- to 18-year-olds ($10/calendar year) within the Collins Middle School. In addition, Club includes EEC-licensed programs at Grace Church for all elementary school children, and at Saltonstall School for children in that school. In 2019, the Club celebrated its 150th Anniversary!

OUR MISSION: We believe that all kids deserve a safe, fun and supportive community. At the Boys & Girls Club we nurture, value and inspire our young people. We build usable skills, enhance self esteem and promote a culture of high expectations. 

The Boys & Girls Club is one of our community's greatest assets, providing a constant source of motivation and inspiration for our youth.  Polls have found that over 90% of our alumni graduate high school, and even more report learning valuable life lessons through their membership at the Club. 

THIS PROGRAM IS FUNDED IN PART BY THE CITY OF SALEM DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT.

The Boys & Girls Club programs comply with all regulations of the MA Dept. of Public Health and is licensed by the Salem Board of Health. Our programs do not discriminate on basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender or gender identity, familial status, disability, ancestry, age, marital status, public assistance status, sexual orientation, veteran history/military status or genetic information.